Unlike the others, though, Lowry is leaving because he apparently has no choice. He underwent thumb surgery last month and despite a desire to play for Team USA, has not yet been cleared to practice, according to Josh Lewenberg of TSN.

The U.S. roster has been decimated by defections since the start of July, with Anthony Davis (Los Angeles Lakers), James Harden (Houston Rockets), Damian Lillard (Portland Trail Blazers) and Kevin Love (Cleveland Cavaliers) among some of the more-notables to back out.

The U.S. is coached by Gregg Popovich (San Antonio Spurs) and begins play in the FIBA World Cup on Sunday, Sept. 1 vs. the Czech Republic in Shanghai. The gold medal game is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 15, just a couple weeks before the start of NBA training camp.

“This is USA Basketball, this is a huge achievement,” Hornets point guard Kemba Walker said. “It’s a huge honor to be a part of this.”